Cover apparatus and method for vehicle windows and/or other vehicle components

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, including a sheet for placement over a vehicle window and portion of the roof adjacent the window when deployed. The sheet includes a main portion having a first, second, third, and fourth, side, wherein the first and second sides are positioned opposite one another, the third and fourth sides are positioned opposite one another, the first side extends a first length, the second side a second length, the third side a third length, and the fourth side a fourth length, and each of the first and second lengths are longer than the third and fourth lengths; at least two end portions configured to be closed within a door of the vehicle; and a top portion extending from and along the first side portion. The top portion contains a cavity or passageway extending along a portion of the first side configured to receive a portion of a shaft.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/103,100, filed Jan. 14, 2015, andentitled “COVER APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE WINDOWS AND/OR OTHERVEHICLE COMPONENTS”, the subject matter and teachings of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a cover apparatus and method forvehicle windows and/or other vehicle components and, in particular, thepresent invention pertains to a cover apparatus for vehicle windowsand/or other vehicle components, such as, but not limited to, vehiclelights and/or other components, which can be easily applied for useand/or which can be easily removed from a vehicle, a vehicle window, oranother vehicle component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Windshield covers and window covers for vehicles have been known in theprior art and have been available in the marketplace for allowing anindividual to cover the windshield of his or her vehicle before a snowstorm or other inclement weather as a means by which to effectuate easyremoval of snow and/or ice from the windshield prior to using thevehicle. Such products have been designed to, among other things,dispense with the need to remove snow or ice from windows. Suchwindshield covers can also be used in warm weather to reduce heatbuildup in a vehicle, prevent sun damage, or for providing privacy.These prior art windshield covers can typically be placed upon a vehicleso as to cover the windshield and are typically attached with thevehicle in some manner.

These prior art windshield covers, however, are cumbersome and difficultto use, especially on larger vehicles. These prior art windshield coverstypically require that they be applied on or over the entire windshieldprior to attaching them or affixing them on to or on the vehicle. Suchapplication can be difficult and cumbersome when used by shorter orsmaller individuals or when used in connection with larger vehicles,sport utility vehicles, and/or trucks. As a result, individualstypically dispense with using same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a cover apparatus and method forvehicle windows and/or other vehicle components and, in particular, thepresent invention pertains to a cover apparatus for vehicle windowsand/or other vehicle components, such as, but not limited to, vehiclelights and/or other components, which can be easily applied for useand/or which can be easily removed from a vehicle, a vehicle window, oranother vehicle component and which overcomes the shortcomings of theprior art.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can include a sheet whichcan have any appropriate shape or size and which can be made of anysuitable material such as, for example, but not limited to, a plasticmaterial, a vinyl material, a cloth material, a flannel material, acanvas material, or any other material, or any combination of the samearranged in layers. The sheet should be made of a material which shouldbe strong enough and durable enough so that it can withstand a fair tolarge accumulation of snow and ice thereon and can be strong enough andsturdy enough so that it can withstand the removal of same from avehicle windshield or window even though a fair to large amount of snowand ice may be accumulated thereon. The sheet should also be strongenough and durable enough to withstand high temperatures such as wellused in hot weather or in direct sunlight as and for a sunscreen.

The sheet of the cover apparatus can include a main region portion whichcan be sized so as to be larger than, and so as to completely cover, avehicle windshield and at least a portion or portions of the vehicleadjacent to, or surrounding, the vehicle windshield. The sheet caninclude an end region portion on each side end thereof which can have orbe of any appropriate or suitable shape and/or size. The cover apparatuscan also include a handle which can be attached to, or formed within, atleast one end region portion. The cover apparatus includes a cutout in,and/or a handle, on or at, each end region portion. The handle, if used,can be positioned adjacent to the cutout and can be used to facilitateeasy handling of the cover apparatus.

The sheet can also include, at a top end portion of the main regionportion thereof, a top portion which can include a portion enclosing aninterior cavity or passageway which can run or extend along at least aportion thereof and along a top end portion of the sheet. The topportion can have an opening on one or both ends of same in order tofacilitate placement of a shaft or a handle component within the cavityor passageway. The cover apparatus can include a support handle whichcan have at least a portion thereof which can be inserted into and/orwithdrawn from the interior cavity or passageway of the top portion.

The support handle can include a shaft and a handle which can beattached to the shaft. The shaft can be implemented or made by using awooden or plastic, or other material, handle, such as for example, awooden or plastic broomstick handle or any other suitable cylindrical orelongated structure, device, or component, and/or it can be made ofwood, plastic, metal, or any other suitable material, or any combinationof same. The handle can be any suitable handle, such as for example, asnow shovel handle which can be made in any suitable shape or form andwhich can be attached in any suitable manner to the shaft. The shaft canbe of a fixed length. The shaft can also be a telescopic shaft which canbe extendable in size lengthwise and/or which can be retractable anddecreased in size lengthwise.

One end of the top portion can be open so as to allow for an insertionand/or a removal of the shaft of the support handle into the cavity orpassageway. The opposite end of the top portion can be sealed so as toprevent any insertion or any removal of anything into or from that endof the top portion. Both ends of the top portion can also be open. Bothends of the top portion can also be sealed with a shaft sealed withinthe cavity or passageway.

The shaft of the support handle can also be repeatedly inserted into andwithdrawn from the cavity or passageway of the top portion when usingthe cover apparatus of the present invention. The use of the supporthandle can facilitate easy handing, placement, manipulation, and/orremoval, of the cover apparatus. In this regard, the support handle,when placed inside the cavity or passageway of the top portion canfacilitate easy placement of the cover apparatus on the vehicle, canfacilitate easy handling and/or manipulation of same, and/or canfacilitate easy removal of the cover apparatus from the vehicle.

The sheet can be constructed of a single layer or material, or of singleply material, with the top portion being formed by sewing, sealing, orotherwise attaching a terminal portion of the top portion material tothe reverse side of the sheet so as to form a seam or a seal. The sheetcan be constructed of a double layer or material with the top portionbeing formed by joining the sheet together with a seam or seal so as toform the top portion and the cavity or passageway.

The cover apparatus can also include any number of attachment elementswhich can be attached to the rear side of the sheet so as to facilitatefastening the cover apparatus to the vehicle. The attachment elementscan be strips of hook and fastener type elements, or strips of VELCO®,which can be joined to corresponding fasteners which can be affixed to,or attached to, the vehicle. Any other type or kind of attachmentelement(s) can be used to assist in securing the cover apparatus to thevehicle. The cover apparatus can also have magnets or flexible magneticstrips which can attached or secured thereto which can also be used toassist in attaching the cover apparatus to the vehicle.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can also include a sheethandle which can be made of the same material as the sheet, or can bemade of any other flexible material, or can be a solid material handle,which can be attached to, or connected to, or formed integrallytherewith, the top portion or any other portion or region of the sheet.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can also have a coverhandle attached, or connected thereto. The cover handle can be utilizedto manipulate the cover apparatus in any suitable or appropriate manner.The cover handle can be attached to, or connected to, the sheet and/orto the cover apparatus at any location thereof or thereon.

The cover apparatus can also equipped a telescopic shaft. The telescopicshaft can have a handle attached thereto or connected thereto. Thetelescopic shaft can be expandable to an in-use length and/or can becompressible to a shorter length for facilitating easier storage and/orhandling of the telescopic shaft and the cover apparatus. The telescopicshaft can be equipped with a spring-loaded mechanism such as aretypically found in umbrellas for expanding the length of same whendesired and/or for compressing same to a non-use or storage positionwhen desired.

When it is desired to compress the telescopic shaft, such can beaccomplished in a manner typically used when closing an umbrella.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can be utilized with anytype, kind, or size, of motor vehicle, automobile, truck, van, passengervehicle, commercial vehicle, or any other vehicle.

When it is desired to apply the cover apparatus to a vehicle, a user canplace the shaft of the support handle into the cavity or passageway ofthe top portion of the sheet. In this manner, the user can create arigid and straight top portion of the sheet of the cover apparatus whichcan allow the user to more easily handle the cover apparatus. The usercan then, by holding the cover apparatus by the handle of the supporthandle, maneuver the cover apparatus so as to place the top portion ofsame on the top of the vehicle at an appropriate location on the vehicleroof and above the vehicle windshield. In this manner, the use of thesupport handle, in conjunction with the cover apparatus, allows for aneasier positioning and placement of the cover apparatus on the vehicleroof and over the vehicle windshield. If the cover apparatus is equippedwith a cover handle, the user can also grasp the cover handle inmanipulating and/or in positioning the cover apparatus on the vehicleroof and over the vehicle windshield.

When attachment elements are utilized on or in connection with the coverapparatus, the vehicle can be equipped with corresponding attachmentelements which can mate with, or which can connect with, the attachmentelements of the cover apparatus. In this regard, when used in connectionwith attachment elements, the user can align or position the coverapparatus so that the attachment elements can be lined up with oneanother so as to mate with or to connect with one another.

Once the cover apparatus has been applied to and/or positioned so thatit covers the vehicle windshield, the user can, if desired, remove theshaft of the support handle from the cavity or passageway of the topportion. The support handle can then be stored, if desired. Removal ofthe support handle can also be desired in order to allow for an easyremoval of the cover apparatus, as the cover apparatus, with the supporthandle removed from the cavity or passageway, will be flexible and easyto pull off of the vehicle.

Once the cover apparatus has been applied to and/or positioned so thatit covers the vehicle windshield, the user can then open each front doorof the vehicle, place the end region portion adjacent to each doorinside the passenger compartment of the vehicle door and close the dooron the respective end portion so as to secure each end portion of thesheet, and the cover apparatus, to the vehicle.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can be utilized to protecta vehicle windshield from snow and ice so as to facilitate an easyclearing and/or cleaning of same after a snow event, an ice event, arain event, or a freezing rain event. In this regard, the coverapparatus can be placed on the vehicle before the snow event, the iceevent, the rain event, or the freezing rain event. When it is desired touse the vehicle, or to simply clear the vehicle windshield, the user cansimply open each vehicle from door and remove the end portions form thepassenger compartment and lift and/or remove the cover apparatus fromthe vehicle. The user can simply lift and/or remove the cover apparatusby grasping any portion of same. The user can also grasp the handle ofthe support handle in order to maneuver the cover apparatus from thevehicle. If the support handle had been previously removed, the user canreinsert the support handle into the cavity or passageway of the topportion prior to using the handle of the support handle to remove thecover apparatus. If the cover apparatus is equipped with the coverhandle, the user can use the cover handle and/or the handle of thesupport handle to remove the cover apparatus.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can also be used in the hotweather to provide a sunshade for the vehicle by placing the coverapparatus over the vehicle windshield so as to prevent heat buildup inthe car and/or so as to prevent sun damage to any portion of the vehicleinterior.

The cover apparatus of the present invention, by providing a handlesupport for use in connection with same, facilitates an easiermanipulation, placement, and/or positioning, of the cover apparatus onthe vehicle and on and over the vehicle windshield. The cover apparatusof the present invention can be utilized so as to dispense with thecumbersome activity of having to place and hold a cover over the vehiclewindshield when trying the apply same to a vehicle.

A logo or an advertisement can also be placed on the front of the sheetof the cover apparatus in order to allow one to utilize the coverapparatus as and for an advertisement and/or for advertising purposes.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can be used to provideprotection for vehicle windshields which is quick and easy to use. Thecover apparatus of the present invention can also be adapted for use toprovide protection and cover for rear windows, side windows, sunroofs,moon roofs, front lights, and/or rear lights.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can be manufactured to havea shell which can contain one or more exterior side layers of materialand/or one or more interior side layers of material. The cover apparatuscan be manufactured to have a soft and/or flannel-like material on itsinterior side so as to prevent causing scratches to the vehicle and/orto the vehicle windshield.

The sheet can be manufactured from, or can include, a single layer ofmaterial, which can be a cloth material, a cloth fabric, a canvasmaterial, a canvas fabric, a plastic material, or a vinyl material, orany other suitable material or fabric or any combination of same. Thesheet can also by manufactured from, or can include, a plurality of, orany number of, layers of material, which can include, but not belimited, a cloth material, a cloth fabric, a canvas material, a canvasfabric, a plastic material, or a vinyl material, a flannel material orfabric, a rubber material, a cotton material or fabric, or polyestermaterial or fabric, or any other suitable material or fabric or anycombination or combinations of same.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can contain any type orkind of an advertisement or a logo anywhere on the sheet, on the coverapparatus, or on any component of same.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can also include, or can beutilized in conjunction with, any type of kind of attachment devices,elements, or systems, including, but not limited to, hook and loopfastening elements or systems, a strip(s) of VELCRO®, a magnet(s), amagnetic strip(s), or a flexible magnetic strip(s), for aiding in and/orfor facilitating securing the cover apparatus to a vehicle.

The cover apparatus of the present invention can be adapted for, and canbe utilized for, covering vehicle windshields, side windows, rearwindows, moon roofs, sunroofs, lights, indicator lamps, and/or any othervehicle component or device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In The Drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front side view of a preferred embodiment of thecover apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear side view of the cover apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view of the cover apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the cover apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the cover apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates the cover apparatus of FIG. 5 in a compressed state;and

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D illustrate a preferred embodiment method forapplying the cover apparatus of the present invention to a vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention pertains to a cover apparatus and method forvehicle windows and/or other vehicle components and, in particular, thepresent invention pertains to a cover apparatus for vehicle windowsand/or other vehicle components, such as, but not limited to, vehiclelights and/or other components, which can be easily applied for useand/or which can be easily removed from a vehicle, a vehicle window, oranother vehicle component.

Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter andteachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/103,100,filed Jan. 14, 2015, and entitled “COVER APPARATUS AND METHOD FORVEHICLE WINDOWS AND/OR OTHER VEHICLE COMPONENTS”, the subject matter andteachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front side view of a preferred embodiment of thecover apparatus of the present invention which is denoted generally bythe reference numeral 100. With reference to FIG. 1, the cover apparatus100 includes a sheet 1. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet 1 can beshaped, as shown, or can have any other suitable shape, and can be madeof any suitable material such as, for example, but not limited to, aplastic material, a vinyl material, a cloth material, a flannelmaterial, a canvas material, or any other material, or any combinationof the same arranged in layers. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet 1should be made of a material which should be strong enough and durableenough so that it can withstand a fair to large accumulation of snow andice thereon and can be strong enough and sturdy enough so that it canwithstand the removal of same from a vehicle windshield or window eventhough a fair to large amount of snow and ice may be accumulatedthereon. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet 1 should be strong enoughand durable enough to withstand high temperatures such as when used inhot weather or in direct sunlight as and for a sunscreen. The sheet 1can have any appropriate shape and/or size.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, the sheet 1 includes a main regionportion 2 which, in a preferred embodiment, can be sized so as to belarger than, and so as to completely cover, a vehicle windshield and atleast a portion or portions of the vehicle adjacent to, or surrounding,the vehicle windshield. With reference once again to FIG. 1, the sheet 1can include an end region portion 3 on each side end thereof, as shownin FIG. 1. The end region portions 3 can have any appropriate orsuitable shape and/or size. In a preferred embodiment, the coverapparatus 300 can also include a handle 5 which can be attached to, orformed within, at least one end region portion 3. With reference to thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the cover apparatus 100 includes acutout 4 in, and a handle 5 on or at, each end region portion 3, asshown. In a preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the handle 5 is positionedadjacent the cutout 4 and can be used to facilitate easy handling of thecover apparatus 100.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, the sheet 1 also includes, at a topend portion of the main region portion 2 thereof, a top portion 6, asshown, which includes a longitudinal portion enclosing an interiorcavity or passageway 7 which runs or extends along at least a portionthereof and along a top end portion of the sheet 1. In a preferredembodiment, the top portion 6 can have an opening on one or both ends 8of same in order to facilitate placement of a shaft or a handlecomponent within the cavity or passageway 7. In a preferred embodiment,the cover apparatus 100 also includes a support handle 10 which can haveat least a portion thereof which can be inserted into and/or withdrawnfrom the interior cavity or passageway 7 of the top portion 6.

In a preferred embodiment, the support handle 10 can include a shaft 11and a handle 12 attached to the shaft 11. In a preferred embodiment, theshaft 11 can be a wooden handle or a plastic handle, or a handle made ofany other suitable material, such as for example, a wooden or plasticbroomstick handle or any other suitable cylindrical or elongatedstructure, device, or component, and it can be made of wood, plastic,metal, or any other suitable material, or any combination of same. In apreferred embodiment, the handle 12 can be any suitable handle, such asfor example, a snow shovel handle which can be made in any suitableshape or form and which can be attached in any suitable manner to theshaft 11. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft 11 can be of a fixedlength. In another preferred embodiment, the shaft 11 can also be atelescopic shaft which can be extendable in size lengthwise and/or whichcan be retractable and decreased in size lengthwise.

In a preferred embodiment, one end of the top portion 6 is open so as toallow for an insertion and/or a removal of the shaft 11 of the supporthandle 10 into the cavity or passageway 7. In a preferred embodiment,the opposite end of the top portion 6 can be sealed so as to prevent anyinsertion or any removal of anything into or from that end of the topportion 6. In another preferred embodiment, both ends of the top portion6 can be open. In still another preferred embodiment, both ends of thetop portion 6 can be sealed with a shaft 11 sealed within the cavity orpassageway 7.

In a preferred embodiment, such as in the preferred embodiment of FIG.1, the shaft 11 of the support handle 10 can be repeatedly inserted intoand withdrawn from the cavity or passageway 7 of the top portion whenusing the cover apparatus 100 of the present invention. In a preferredembodiment, the use of the support handle 10 can facilitate easyhanding, placement, manipulation, and/or removal, of the cover apparatus100. In this regard, the support handle 10, when placed inside thecavity or passageway 7 of the top portion 6, as shown in FIG. 1, canfacilitate easy placement of the cover apparatus 100 on the vehicle, canfacilitate easy handling and/or manipulation of same, and/or canfacilitate easy removal of the cover apparatus 100 from the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the sheet 1 can be constructed of a singlelayer or material, or of single ply material, with the top portion 6being formed by sewing, sealing, or otherwise attaching a terminalportion of the top portion material to the reverse side of the sheet 1so as to form a seam 9 or a seal 9. In another preferred embodiment, thesheet 1 can be constructed of a double layer or material with the topportion 6 being formed by joining the sheet 1 together with a seam 9 orseal 9 so as to form the top portion 6 and the cavity or passageway 7.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, the cover apparatus 100 can alsoinclude any number of attachment elements 18 which, in a preferredembodiment, can be attached to the rear side of the sheet 1 so as tofacilitate fastening the cover apparatus 100 to the vehicle. In apreferred embodiment, the attachment elements can be strips of hook andfastener type elements, or strips of VELCO®, which can be joined tocorresponding fasteners which can be affixed to, or attached to, thevehicle. In another preferred embodiment, any other type or kind ofattachment element(s) can be used to assist in securing the coverapparatus 100 to the vehicle. In another preferred embodiment, the coverapparatus 100 can also have magnets or flexible magnetic strips whichcan attached or secured thereto which can also be used to assist inattaching the cover apparatus 100 to the vehicle.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear side view of the cover apparatus 100illustrating the attachment elements 18.

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view of the cover apparatus 100 of FIG.1 illustrating the designated elements of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the cover apparatus 100 can alsoinclude a sheet handle 15 which, in a preferred embodiment, can be madeof the same material as the sheet 1, or can be made of any otherflexible material, or can be a solid material handle, which can beattached to, or connected to, or formed integrally therewith, the topportion 6 or any other portion or region of the sheet 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the cover apparatus100 of the present invention which has a cover handle 15 attached, orconnected, thereto, as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the coverhandle 15 can be utilized to manipulate the cover apparatus 100 in anysuitable or appropriate manner. In another preferred embodiment, thecover handle 15 can be attached to, or connected to, the sheet 1 and/orto the cover apparatus 100 at any location thereof or thereon.

FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the cover apparatusof the present invention which is denoted generally by the referencenumeral 200. With reference to FIG. 5, the cover apparatus 200 containsall of the components of the cover apparatus 100 with the exception of afixed length shaft 11. The cover apparatus 200 of FIG. 5, instead,includes a telescopic shaft 51. The telescopic shaft 51 can have ahandle 52 attached thereto or connected thereto, as shown. The coverapparatus 200 provides for an apparatus having a telescopic shaft 51which can be expandable to an in-use length and/or can be compressibleto a shorter length for facilitating easier storage and/or handling ofthe telescopic shaft 51 and the cover apparatus 200. In a preferredembodiment, the telescopic shaft 51 can be equipped with a spring-loadedmechanism such as are typically found in umbrellas for expanding thelength of same when desired and/or for compressing same to a non-use orstorage position when desired. FIG. 5 illustrates the cover apparatus200 when the telescopic shaft 51 is fully deployed lengthwise.

When it is desired to compress the telescopic shaft 51, such can beaccomplished in a manner typically used when closing an umbrella. FIG. 6illustrates the cover apparatus 200 with the telescopic shaft 51 in thefully compressed or non-use state or position.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D illustrate a preferred embodiment method forutilizing or applying the cover apparatus 100 of the present inventionto a vehicle. FIG. 7A illustrates a vehicle to which the cover apparatus100 can be applied. While FIG. 7A illustrates a conventional motorvehicle or automobile, it is important to note that the cover apparatus100 of the present invention can also be utilized with any type, kind,or size, of motor vehicle, automobile, truck, van, passenger vehicle,commercial vehicle, or any other vehicle. FIG. 7A illustrates a typicalmotor vehicle.

When it is desired to apply the cover apparatus 100 to the vehicle, auser can place the shaft 11 of the support handle 10 into the cavity orpassageway 7 of the top portion 6 of the sheet 1. In this manner, theuser can create a rigid and straight top portion of the sheet 1 of thecover apparatus 100 which can allow the user to more easily handle thecover apparatus 100. The user can then, by holding the cover apparatus100 by the handle 12 of the support handle 10, maneuver the coverapparatus 100 so as to place the top portion 6 of same on the top of thevehicle at an appropriate location on the vehicle roof and above thevehicle windshield. In this manner, the use of the support handle 10, inconjunction with the cover apparatus 100, allows for an easierpositioning and placement of the cover apparatus 100 on the vehicle roofand over the vehicle windshield. In another preferred embodiment,wherein the cover apparatus 100 is equipped with cover handle 15, theuser can also grasp the cover handle 15 in manipulating and/or inpositioning the cover apparatus 100 on the vehicle roof and over thevehicle windshield.

In an embodiment where the attachment elements 18 are utilized on or inconnection with the cover apparatus 100, the vehicle can be equippedwith corresponding attachment elements 19, which in a preferredembodiment can be strips of corresponding hook and loop type fasteners,or strips of VELCRO, or any other corresponding attachment, elementwhich can mate with, or which can connect with, the attachment elements18 of the cover apparatus 100. In this regard, when used in connectionwith attachment elements 18 and 19, the user should align or positionthe cover apparatus 100 so that the attachment elements 18 and 19 arelined up with one another so as to mate with or to connect with oneanother. FIG. 7B illustrates the vehicle of FIG. 7A with the coverapparatus 100 positioned on the portion of the vehicle roof adjacent to,and/or on or over the vehicle windshield, as shown.

Once the cover apparatus 100 has been applied to and/or positioned sothat it covers the vehicle windshield, the user can, if desired, removethe shaft 11 of the support handle 10 from the cavity or passageway 7 ofthe top portion 6. The support handle 10 can then be stored, if desired.In a preferred embodiment, removal of the support handle 10 can also bedesired in order to allow for an easy removal of the cover apparatus100, as the cover apparatus 100, with the support handle 10 removed fromthe cavity or passageway 7, will be flexible and easy to pull off of thevehicle.

Once the cover apparatus 100 has been applied to and/or positioned sothat it covers the vehicle windshield, the user can then open each frontdoor of the vehicle, place the end region portion 3 adjacent to eachdoor inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle door and close thedoor on the respective end portion 3 so as to secure each end portion 3of the sheet 1, and the cover apparatus 100, to the vehicle. FIG. 7Cillustrates the vehicle of FIG. 7A with the cover apparatus 100 of thepresent invention applied and secured thereto so as to provide a coverfor the vehicle windshield. FIG. 7D illustrates a side view of theportion of the vehicle of FIG. 7A illustrating the placement of thecover apparatus 100 on the vehicle and over the vehicle windshield.Although the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D have beendescribed and illustrated as being used in connection with the coverapparatus 100, it is to be readily understood that the cover apparatus200, or any other embodiment of the cover apparatus of the presentinvention, can be utilized in a same, a similar, and/or an analogous,manner as described herein in connection with the embodiment of FIGS.7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover apparatus 100 or 200 of the presentinvention can be utilized to protect a vehicle windshield from snow andice so as to facilitate an easy clearing and/or cleaning of same after asnow event, an ice event, a rain event, or a freezing rain event. Inthis regard, the cover apparatus 100 or 200 can be placed on the vehiclebefore the snow event, the ice event, the rain event, or the freezingrain event. When it is desired to use the vehicle, or to simply clearthe vehicle windshield, the user can simply open each vehicle from doorand remove the end portions 3 form the passenger compartment and liftand/or remove the cover apparatus 100 from the vehicle. In a preferredembodiment, the user can simply lift and/or remove the cover apparatus100 by grasping any portion of same. In another preferred embodiment,the user can grasp the handle 12 of the support handle 10 in order tomaneuver the cover apparatus 100 from the vehicle. If the support handle10 had been previously removed, the user can reinsert the support handle10 into the cavity or passageway 7 of the top portion 6 prior to usingthe handle 12 of the support handle 10 to remove the cover apparatus100. In another embodiment, if the cover apparatus 100 is equipped withthe cover handle 15, the user can use the cover handle 15 and/or thehandle 12 of the support handle 10 to remove the cover apparatus 100.

In another preferred embodiment, the cover apparatus 100 can also beused in the hot weather to provide a sunshade for the vehicle by placingthe cover apparatus 100 over the vehicle windshield so as to preventheat buildup in the car and/or so as to prevent sun damage to anyportion of the vehicle interior.

The cover apparatus 100, by providing the handle support 10 for use inconnection with same, facilitates an easier manipulation, placement,and/or positioning, of the cover apparatus 100 on the vehicle and on andover the vehicle windshield. The cover apparatus 100 can be utilized soas to dispense with the cumbersome activity of having to place and holda cover over the vehicle windshield when trying the apply same to avehicle.

In another preferred embodiment, a logo or advertisement can be placedon the front of the sheet 1 of the cover apparatus 100 in order to allowone to utilize the cover apparatus 100 as and for an advertisementand/or for advertising purposes.

The cover apparatus 100 can be used to provide protection for vehiclewindshields which is quick and easy to use. In another preferredembodiment, the cover apparatus 100 of the present invention can also beadapted for use to provide protection and cover for rear windows, sidewindows, sunroofs, moon roofs, front lights, and/or rear lights.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the coverapparatus 100 or 200 can be manufactured to have a shell 1 which cancontain one or more exterior side layers of material and/or one or moreinterior side layers of material. In another preferred embodiment, thecover apparatus 100 or 200 can be manufactured to have a soft and/orflannel-like material on its interior side so as to prevent causingscratches to the vehicle and/or to the vehicle windshield.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the sheet 1 canbe manufactured from, or can include, a single layer of material, whichcan be a cloth material, a cloth fabric, a canvas material, a canvasfabric, a plastic material, or a vinyl material, or any other suitablematerial or fabric or any combination of same.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the sheet 1 canalso be manufactured from, or can include, a plurality of, or any numberof, layers of material, which can include, but not be limited, a clothmaterial, a cloth fabric, a canvas material, a canvas fabric, a plasticmaterial, or a vinyl material, a flannel material or fabric, a rubbermaterial, a cotton material or fabric, or polyester material or fabric,or any other suitable material or fabric or any combination orcombinations of same.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the coverapparatus 100 or 200 of the present invention can also contain anadvertisement or a logo anywhere on the sheet 1, the cover apparatus 100or 200, or on any component of same.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the coverapparatus 100 or 200 of the present invention can also include, or canbe utilized in conjunction with, any type of kind of attachment devices,elements, or systems, including, but not limited to, hook and loopfastening elements or systems, a strip(s) of VELCRO®, a magnet(s), amagnetic strip(s), or a flexible magnetic strip(s), for aiding in and/orfor facilitating securing the cover apparatus 100 or 200 to a vehicle.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the supporthandle 10 can also be fixedly attached to, or sealed within, the topportion 6, with handle 12 extending from the cover apparatus 100 or 200in any appropriate manner. In any and/or all of the embodimentsdescribed herein, the cover handle 15 can also be fixedly attached to,or can have a portion of same sealed within, the top portion 6, with aterminal portion of same extending from the cover apparatus 100 or 200.

The cover apparatus 100 or 200 of the present invention can be adaptedfor, and can be utilized for, covering vehicle windshields, sidewindows, rear windows, moon roofs, sunroofs, lights, indicator lamps,and/or any other vehicle component or device.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated invarious preferred and alternate embodiments, such descriptions aremerely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construedto be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present inventionencompasses all modifications, variations, and/or alternate,embodiments, with the scope of the present invention being limited onlyby the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a telescopic shaft,wherein the telescopic shaft is configured to expand in length or isconfigured to retract in length; a handle attached to the telescopicshaft; and a sheet, wherein the sheet is sized and shaped for beingplaced over, and for covering, a vehicle window of a vehicle and only aportion of a roof of the vehicle adjacent the vehicle window when thesheet is deployed over the vehicle window and secured to the vehicle,wherein the sheet further comprises: a main portion, wherein the mainportion is configured to have a first side, a second side, a third side,and a fourth side, wherein the first side and the second side arepositioned opposite one another, and further wherein the third side andthe fourth side are positioned opposite one another, wherein the firstside extends for a first length, the second side extends for a secondlength, the third side extends for a third length, and the fourth sideextends for a fourth length, and further wherein the first length andthe second length are each longer than the third length and the fourthlength; at least two end portions, wherein a first end portion of the atleast two end portions extends from the third side of the main portionand a second end portion of the at least two end portions extends fromthe fourth side of the main portion, wherein a portion of each of the atleast two end portions is configured to be closed within a door of thevehicle to secure the sheet to the vehicle; and a top portion, whereinthe top portion extends from and along the first side portion of themain portion, and further wherein the top portion contains a cavity or apassageway which extends along at least a portion of the first side ofthe main portion, and further wherein the cavity or the passageway ofthe top portion is configured to receive at least a portion of thetelescopic shaft, wherein the at least a portion of the telescopic shaftis configured to be inserted into and within the cavity or thepassageway of the top portion, and further wherein the at least aportion of the telescopic shaft is configured to be retracted in lengthwhile within the cavity or the passageway of the top portion.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second handle, wherein thesecond handle is attached to the sheet.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a second handle, wherein the second handle isattached to the top portion of the sheet.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: at least one attachment element attached to at leastone side of the sheet.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at leastone attachment element is or includes a component of a hook and loopfastening system, a strip of VELCRO®, a magnet, a magnetic strip, or aflexible magnetic strip.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at leastone side of the sheet contains an advertisement or a logo.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises a single layer ofmaterial.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the single layer ofmaterial is a cloth material or fabric, a flannel material or fabric, acanvas material or fabric, a cotton material or fabric, or a polyestermaterial or fabric.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the singlelayer of material is a rubber material, a plastic material, or a vinylmaterial.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises aplurality of layers of material.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe cavity or the passageway has a first end and a second end, whereinthe first end contains an opening configured to receive the telescopicshaft, and further wherein the second end is a closed end.
 12. Anapparatus, comprising: a telescopic shaft, wherein the telescopic shaftis configured to expand in length or is configured to retract in length;a first handle attached to the telescopic shaft; and a sheet, whereinthe sheet is sized and shaped for being placed over, and for covering, avehicle window of a vehicle and only a portion of a roof of the vehicleadjacent the vehicle window when the sheet is deployed over the vehiclewindow and secured to the vehicle, wherein the sheet further comprises:a main portion, wherein the main portion is configured to have a firstside, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, wherein the firstside and the second side are positioned opposite one another, andfurther wherein the third side and the fourth side are positionedopposite one another, wherein the first side extends for a first length,the second side extends for a second length, the third side extends fora third length, and the fourth side extends for a fourth length, andfurther wherein the first length and the second length are each longerthan the third length and the fourth length; at least two end portions,wherein a first end portion of the at least two end portions extendsfrom the third side of the main portion and a second end portion of theat least two end portions extends from the fourth side of the mainportion, wherein a portion of each of the at least two end portions isconfigured to be closed within a door of the vehicle to secure the sheetto the vehicle, and further wherein at least one end portion of the atleast two end portions further comprises: a second handle, wherein thesecond handle is located on or at an end region of the at least one endportion of the at least two end portions; and a top portion, wherein thetop portion extends from and along the first side portion of the mainportion, and further wherein the top portion contains a cavity or apassageway which extends along at least a portion of the first side ofthe main portion, and further wherein the cavity or the passageway ofthe top portion is configured to receive at least a portion of thetelescopic shaft, wherein the at least a portion of the telescopic shaftis configured to be inserted into and within the cavity or thepassageway of the top portion, and further wherein the at least aportion of the telescopic shaft is configured to be retracted in lengthwhile within the cavity or the passageway of the top portion.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a third handle, wherein thethird handle is attached to the sheet.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12,further comprising: a third handle, wherein the third handle is attachedto the top portion of the sheet.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, furthercomprising: at least one attachment element attached to at least oneside of the sheet, wherein the at least one attachment element is orincludes a component of a hook and loop fastening system, a strip ofVELCRO®, a magnet, a magnetic strip, or a flexible magnetic strip. 16.An apparatus, comprising: a shaft; a handle attached to the shaft; and asheet, wherein the sheet is sized and shaped for being placed over, andfor covering, a vehicle window of a vehicle and only a portion of a roofof the vehicle adjacent the vehicle window when the sheet is deployedover the vehicle window and secured to the vehicle, wherein the sheetfurther comprises: a main portion, wherein the main portion isconfigured to have a first side, a second side, a third side, and afourth side, wherein the first side and the second side are positionedopposite one another, and further wherein the third side and the fourthside are positioned opposite one another, wherein the first side extendsfor a first length, the second side extends for a second length, thethird side extends for a third length, and the fourth side extends for afourth length, and further wherein the first length and the secondlength are each longer than the third length and the fourth length; atleast two end portions, wherein a first end portion of the at least twoend portions extends from the third side of the main portion and asecond end portion of the at least two end portions extends from thefourth side of the main portion, wherein a portion of each of the atleast two end portions is configured to be closed within a door of thevehicle to secure the sheet to the vehicle; and a top portion, whereinthe top portion extends from and along the first side portion of themain portion, and further wherein the top portion contains a cavity or apassageway which extends along at least a portion of the first side ofthe main portion, and further wherein the cavity or the passageway ofthe top portion is configured to receive at least a portion of theshaft, wherein the at least a portion of the shaft is configured to beinserted into and within the cavity or the passageway of the topportion.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a secondhandle, wherein the second handle is attached to the sheet or the to thetop portion of the sheet.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, furthercomprising: at least one attachment element attached to at least oneside of the sheet, and further wherein the at least one attachmentelement is or includes a component of a hook and loop fastening system,a strip of VELCRO®, a magnet, a magnetic strip, or a flexible magneticstrip.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one side of thesheet contains an advertisement or a logo.
 20. The apparatus of claim16, further comprising: a second handle, wherein the second handle islocated at an end region of an end portion of the at least two endportions.